Things to Do in Research This Weekend — 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Stella’s | | Best with kids | Sunny Cellar | | Hidden spot | Rosa’s | | Bad weather pick | Humble Bench |
The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Lena Mill, then work your way to Marco’s. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. This is Research in 2026.
1. Felix’s — 142 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Northern Quarter — 262 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Humble Works — 149 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Pearl’s — 186 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Archive — 124 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
Why Research Is Worth Knowing
6. Ava Mill — 141 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Remy’s — 300 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.
8. Felix Table — 26 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: families
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
9. Tall Commons — 380 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
10. Nina — 59 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.
11. Lena — 142 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($27) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
12. Otto — 88 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Eltham Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Niddrie Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
- All Research Guides — everything we’ve written about Research
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
What is there to do in Research on a Sunday?
Red Kitchen is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?
Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Research won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
